Lack of association between genetic polymorphisms affecting sympathetic activity and tilt-induced vasovagal syncope

Auton Neurosci. 2010 Jun 24;155(1-2):98-103. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.01.002. Epub 2010 Feb 2.

Abstract

Although the pathophysiology of vasovagal syncope is not completely understood, the involvement of sympathetic nervous system alterations has been suggested. Since predisposition to fainting during orthostatic challenge may be associated with genetic variations, we sought to explore the role of genetic polymorphisms affecting sympathetic nervous system function in the susceptibility to tilt-induced vasovagal syncope. We genotyped 129 subjects with recurrent unexplained syncope who underwent tilt testing, and investigated the recurrence of syncope. The analysed polymorphisms were Arg492Cys (ADRA1A gene), Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly (ADRB1), Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu (ADRB2), 825C/T (GNB3), -1021C/T (DBH) and S/L (SLC6A4). No association of the aforementioned genetic variants with both tilt test outcomes and new syncopal episodes during follow-up was found. None of the considered polymorphisms influencing sympathetic activity is a major risk factor for vasovagal syncope in Italian patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 3 / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Posture
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / genetics
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1 / genetics
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / genetics*
  • Tilt-Table Test
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ADRA1A protein, human
  • ADRB1 protein, human
  • G-protein beta3 subunit
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1
  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 3
  • GRK3 protein, human
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins